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What is this .avif image format that no image viewer or editor can open?

What is this .avif image format that no image viewer or editor can open?

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RecklessCrow
Junior Member
43
01-21-2026, 11:36 PM
#1
I'm sharing this because it's more of a complaint than a help request. If the moderators think it should go elsewhere, feel free to move it. I wonder why websites are suddenly using this .avif format—it works for Irfanview but not others. What's the issue with .jpeg or other standard formats that regular image software supports? I'm feeling the same about .webp; why was it introduced and why does .jpeg need to be replaced by something more widely recognized? It's really frustrating and annoying.
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RecklessCrow
01-21-2026, 11:36 PM #1

I'm sharing this because it's more of a complaint than a help request. If the moderators think it should go elsewhere, feel free to move it. I wonder why websites are suddenly using this .avif format—it works for Irfanview but not others. What's the issue with .jpeg or other standard formats that regular image software supports? I'm feeling the same about .webp; why was it introduced and why does .jpeg need to be replaced by something more widely recognized? It's really frustrating and annoying.

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Amethyst_Drone
Junior Member
20
01-21-2026, 11:36 PM
#2
Due to reduced file sizes, which in turn lowers bandwidth costs, one might assume webpages are effortlessly available. However, they still incur significant expenses for accessibility, as these costs vary based on the overall page size and the amount of data being accessed or downloaded.
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Amethyst_Drone
01-21-2026, 11:36 PM #2

Due to reduced file sizes, which in turn lowers bandwidth costs, one might assume webpages are effortlessly available. However, they still incur significant expenses for accessibility, as these costs vary based on the overall page size and the amount of data being accessed or downloaded.

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Creeperson3rd
Member
81
01-21-2026, 11:36 PM
#3
its heif container and AV1 encryption...heif container needs to work with many image viewers, and for AV1 you'll require a proper codec.
btw irfanview supports avif
IrfanView AVIF support | avif.io
IrfanView is an image viewer, editor, organizer, and converter. Discover how to use AVIF images in IrfanView.
avif.io
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Creeperson3rd
01-21-2026, 11:36 PM #3

its heif container and AV1 encryption...heif container needs to work with many image viewers, and for AV1 you'll require a proper codec.
btw irfanview supports avif
IrfanView AVIF support | avif.io
IrfanView is an image viewer, editor, organizer, and converter. Discover how to use AVIF images in IrfanView.
avif.io

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WF_Catt
Posting Freak
761
01-21-2026, 11:36 PM
#4
it's not about jpeg, but about a more efficient compression format.
size doesn't really matter, picture quality does.
at the same dimensions here, you can compare jpeg with avif.
jpeg tends to look blocky and lower in quality.
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WF_Catt
01-21-2026, 11:36 PM #4

it's not about jpeg, but about a more efficient compression format.
size doesn't really matter, picture quality does.
at the same dimensions here, you can compare jpeg with avif.
jpeg tends to look blocky and lower in quality.